A Recent GameCube Convert Responds

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Note: this article is the “counterpoint” portion of a point-counterpoint package. For the “point”, click here.

Gee Jim, I just don’t share your GameCube frustration. Maybe it’s because I approached the ‘cube in a somewhat different way.

I wasn’t one of the herd waiting in line on November 18th, 2001 — for the record, less than 18 months ago. I’ve learned from experience that you will not likely find joy in the first few months of a console’s life.

Instead, I celebrated the launch of the GameCube by purchasing a used copy of Conker’s Bad Fur Day for my N64, and spent the next few weeks vicariously living the raunchy life of an alcoholic squirrel.

One thing lead to another (mostly involving my now three year old child), and I never did get a GameCube until last month — when I purchased a refurbished unit for $89.

At the same time I bought a used copy of Luigi’s Mansion for $25, and yes I was disappointed by this austere game. But because I had waited so long, my expectations weren’t dashed. Instead I rushed out and purchased a used copy of Mario Sunshine.

For me, Mario’s great. I’m having a blast playing it, but I haven’t reached your point of no return, so who knows? I may end up becoming bored with it too.

My most recent Gamecube purchase: the Zelda Wind Waker game. Now this is the sort of thing that game consoles were made for. Exciting, visually appealing, fun and fantastic. The individual islands are varied, the sea is full of danger and treasure, and it appears that chickens are no longer part of the series. I can tell that I’ll be happily fondling my wand of wind for weeks and months to come.

So far when it comes to the Game Cube I’m batting .667 — much better than you seem to be.

I’m actually much more disappointed with the X-Box. The graphics are stunning, the games look great, but of the 15 or so titles I’ve acquired (mostly used), only Halo and SSX Tricky have any sort of long-term playability. The rest are just boring — except for BMX XXX, which is boring and snarky.

But the real reason I probably love the GameCube right now? My three year old has discovered games. Sam is absolutely addicted to Zelda and Mario Sunshine. In fact, I can’t tear him away from the ‘cube long enough for me to get anywhere. Good thing we’ve got our own memory cards.

So Jim, a little bit of advice. Next time a hyped console comes out, don’t stress it. Instead, go out and get a really good game for your existing system, and sit back and wait. Chances are in a few months you’ll be able to buy a discounted unit, used games, and you’ll have the benefit of experience. Not yours, of course, but all the other suckers that bought in on day one.

Check out the review sites like our own Gamers.Com, magazines and message boards to figure out which games are best. I’m probably going to get a copy of Metroid Prime in the next few months — used for half price. But my next game purchase: Animal Crossing. It’s supposed to be unique, fun and entirely different. And only available, at least for now, on the Game Cube. You ought to try it out too.

Oh, and if at all possible, get yourself a three-year old. It really helps to see these games through his eyes.